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Blind and deaf Carlisle man left alone at home

By Phil Coleman

Last updated at 12:24, Monday, 13 February 2012

A blind and deaf Carlisle man was left home alone after his elderly mother was taken into hospital.

Have your say

A man with these disabilities deserves all the support he can be given and since his mother is an old lady this should have been considered and planned for already. Unfortunately we waste money on the undeserving single women, pushing their trophy babies around the streets whilst they talk away on their phones and puff away on their ciggies. At least the babies always have a Greggs sausage roll to wean on.

Posted by Grumpy old pensioner on
16 February 2012 at 16:03

There is no mention in the article of what the man himself wanted in terms of support, only the brothers thoughts. Perhaps the man did not want to move into sheltered accommodation? Yes, he is deaf and blind but there are other ways of making your wishes known- the use of an advocate etc. After all, the client has a right to have what he wants taken into account. For all we know he expressed a wish to stay in his own home and agreed to the support currently in place. Yes, a disable person should have the support they need but that doesn't mean that they are completely incapable of making their own decisions about their life. I would like to hear what the clients wishes actually are, not the brothers.

Posted by Claire on
15 February 2012 at 20:05

This is a very sad case. However, it would seem to me that Mr Foley should never have been allowed to remain so dependent on his mother. I'm no expert in this field but I have read Tony Gilles book. Tony is also deaf and blind and travels independently all over the world.

Social services should work to enable disabled people to be independent not contain them in 'sheltered' accommodation.

Posted by anon on
15 February 2012 at 18:18

Brian, and all the others agreeing with him. have you not thought that his brother may work for a living rather than sponging from the taxpayer? how can you be so careless to come out with comments like that? shame on you all. I bet none of you could or would give up 18 hours every day, 7 days a week.

Posted by ray on
15 February 2012 at 00:28

Sorry, but your comments make my blood boil! This is a family who have already spent 56 years looking after Alan - the article says this is the first time he has ever been left alone. He has not been placed in resedential care, no one has 'passed the buck', his family have taken full responsibility for him all of his life. It may not be possible for Alan's brother to take him in - in which case, shouldn't some sheltered accomodation be available for him? I'm sure his poor mum would feel much happier if Alan were being cared for appropriately so that she can make a full recovery.My guess is that this is not an unfamiliar story for those who care for a vulnerable relative, or for for those who work so hard in very trying times to make provsion for those who need it. I hope this matter is resolved for the Foley family soon.

Posted by S on
14 February 2012 at 13:20

where i kind of agree that his brother could help with a bit of his care you cannot expect him to be his full time carer if he has a full time job or a family of his own to take care of, i helped look after my father for a number of years and believe me its not easy i decided to ask for help which i got eventually but i still had the most of his care to see to i was absolutely run down and exhausted, so make make harsh comments towards the brother for not taking him in is awful none of us know what its like until you've been through it.

Posted by anon on
14 February 2012 at 12:41

Agree with Brian why does his brother not take him in while his mother is in hospital.

Posted by Dave on
14 February 2012 at 07:32

Maybe his brother could help him? Instead of passing the buck? Or is it better to get your name in the press?

Posted by John on
13 February 2012 at 23:17

john, i dont make things up... i know first hand the way things are with care & money, i work with vunrable adults & have done for years & ive seen the changes.

Posted by angry carer on
13 February 2012 at 21:24

Angry carer, there is no evidence that this is anything to do with cutbacks. But carry on making it up.